Avram Grant has had plenty to say in the past few days, with particular disdain for director Karren Brady who spoke out about Steven Sidwell’s aborted move to Upton Park when the West Ham manager had chosen not to speak on the subject.

Grant now insists that he is focused on the task of trying to steer West Ham to the Carling Cup final, with two games against Birmingham City determining who will face Arsenal or Ipswich at Wembley.

“The win against United is a game no one will forget,” said the manager. “We want to have this experience again. It was great when I saw the faces of the fans after beating United.

“Getting to the semi-finals is good but the final would be better. The players are ready. It is exciting and especially the way we have got to this point is something special. We’ve had a tough route so deserve to be here.”

Scott Parker, Matthew Upson, Carlton Cole and Frederic Piquionne all missed Saturday’s win over Barnsley and should return, while Birmingham’s team will also be a lot stronger than the side that triumphed at Millwall.

Seven first-team players were left out of that particular FA Cup tie, although Matt Derbyshire might have done enough to ensure he stays in the team after scoring twice against the Lions.

West Ham will feel as though they have the measure of their opponents after racing into a 2-0 lead at St Andrews earlier this season only for the scoreline to end 2-2.

Match odds:

5/4 West Ham with Paddy Power

12/5 Draw with Betfred

5/2 Birmingham with Victor Chandler